Well, got all my mounts ordered, now deciding which shock to run. I don't wanna fork over the dough for RS9012's, so those are out. I was thinking of running Doetsch Tech 8000 Pre-runners because that's what Brent recommends, but I thought I would explore my options first. What do you guys run and like? Anybody have experience with Pro Comp's? I was just curious about these because you can get them so long. Also, what suspension are you running with your shocks? These are going on with my new YJ springs, so it is definiately softer riding to begin with. Let me know your opinions. Thanks. ~Steve

I run the DT's and I highly recommend them for a sami. They are SOFT. It was night and day difference when I switched, and I now feel the difference when I drive my wifes "stock" zuk. I've never used anyhting else either so I can't compare. I have heard that the ProComps are as stiff as the RS 5000's. The nice thing about the DT 8000's are there have built in bump stops:)

My $.02


Anyone else?

I run DT 8000 Prerunners. Love 'em:D Much better than the Superlift and Rancho 5000 shocks I ran before. BUT>> I have not drove the rig with the new Pro Comp/ stock YJ spring combo yet.....I'll work on that this weekend:beer: :smokin:

I run the 5010's there really :rainbow: , although I don't really care. There cheap and long enough for the suspension I'm running.

One of the guys down here runs the DT Pre-Runners with a YJ system. I think they are too soft, he has quite a bit of body roll (actually rolled the thing 5 times). The 9000's are adjustable, I run mine about midway but if I load up the back I need to set them to max to keep the Zuk from swaying .

Come on guys, I know there are more than 4 people that run shocks. What do you have, how do you like it, and what suspension do you have? Help a guy out! :D ~Steve

I run the rancho 5012 but thats only because after 4wheel parts wharehouse screwed up and mounted thornbirds onto my custom wheels and sent them out 3-1/2 wk's late they sent them out for free to make nice with an iraaaaaateeeeee customer :D :D but when they go or I get cash to put someplace else DT 8000 HERE I come

i have the stock rusty pieces of crap in the back that need lower mounts cause they hit, and in front i don't have any, who the @#%&# needs shocks in front anyways? well i do, i just finished doing the spring over and trying to afford my insurance so i can drive, and trying to get my 4.16 t-case and a nice set of 33"s i can't afford it, but there the next thing on my list...... so no help from me......:flipoff2: stupid you, you said you know everyone runs shocks....... your spose to say every normal person runs shocks......:D
l8r

I have a set of DT's, tell ya what I find out what make they are and run them next weekend at the Hammers and then tell ya what I think of them. I'm sure there better than the Rancho's I have. You should check some Bilstiens.:)

hummm... I run the 8000's with my YJ springs, and I actually thought they might be a little too stiff. I have a pretty bad rode ride. But I still have pleanty of body roll :mad: So I don't know what the problem is :(

when we built a buddys sami he went with a set of pro-comp 3000's. they make them that are the same thength as the rancho 9012's and 5012's. (13" of travel). anyway they are stiff with the yj springs. another buddy bought a set of 9012's and they are great. yes they are more $$$ but the way i see it, do it right the first time. just my op.

Originally posted by high5
another buddy bought a set of 9012's and they are great. yes they are more $$$ but the way i see it, do it right the first time. just my op.

I agree with this, but I want to swap axles fairly soon, too. I really don't want to have to buy expensive shocks and replace them in a few months. Maybe I'll get them with the new axles, but then I'll need lifted springs for 35's, and I'll need longer shocks, and then.... :D It never stops, does it? :rolleyes: ~Steve

Watch out.... depends on your setup.

We've tried the 8000 prerunner shocks. On a super soft coil suspension, they might be fine.

On standard spring or SPOA suspensions, they're too stiff. We much prefer the DT3000 shocks for them.

Could also depend on the terrain your drive, daily driver, etc.

We've pretty much run the gamut over the years on different shocks for our Zuks. Feel free to email direct if you have questions on picking the best shock for the suspension you have.

AllPro (www.allprooffroad.com) has the Doestch 8000s for $49, and the 5100 series Bilstein for $69. Just for your information.

A lot of people seem to like the Doestch 3000s on their Toys with solid axle swaps. But then, thats a heavier vehicle. So feel free to ingore me now.

How bout a discussion on the best place to BUY shocks - since I'll be looking for some soon, too? Anyone gotten their shocks cheaper than what I posted?

its funny, i used to have Rancho 5000's (couldn't afford the 9000's:( ) and the ride was so incredibly hideous. would about knock yer fillings out.
got some cheap ass monroe's at Lordco, and "AHHHHH":) what a mega difference. i no longer need a chiropractor after every ride:D the trade off of course being more pronounced feeling body roll etc. but after so long of "cement mixer", i would never trade off "cushy".(given cheap $ on the adjustable 9000's i might try, but i don't know.....)

as an aside note, what kind of lifespan are most of you guys getting out of your shock choices? a year, two, three?

Originally posted by squirrelman83
Well, got all my mounts ordered, now deciding which shock to run. I don't wanna fork over the dough for RS9012's, so those are out. I was thinking of running Doetsch Tech 8000 Pre-runners because that's what Brent recommends, but I thought I would explore my options first. What do you guys run and like? Anybody have experience with Pro Comp's? I was just curious about these because you can get them so long. Also, what suspension are you running with your shocks? These are going on with my new YJ springs, so it is definiately softer riding to begin with. Let me know your opinions. Thanks. ~Steve

Seems you would get more useable feedback by asking people with spring length's similar to yours to give comments on their shocks. If you ask "everybody" what they have, you'll never get the same answer twice. You might want to re-visit the 9012's since they are adjustable - when you change to that heavier axle, you will need a different shock rating than you do now. Better to buy One pair now instead of a pair now & another pair later?

-just my $0.02 :)

I bought my zuk with the 5" Calmini lift and it came with the calmini shocks and I am not sure how long ago all this was installed but damn it is a shitty ride. It seems like I hit bumbs that the average eye cant even see. I think I definetly need to invest in some new shocks, by the way are any of you guys runnig the calmini lift ? Not sure why the guy wasted the money putting it on because from what I heard the spring over flexes a lot more? any input on that? Also would there be any complications in doing a spring over with the calmini lift on it?

Originally posted by Mithrandir
AllPro (www.allprooffroad.com) has the Doestch 8000s for $49.
Anyone gotten their shocks cheaper than what I posted?

Trail Tough has the DT 8000's for $42 each, or $160 for all four. FYI. :) ~Steve

With the Rears inboarded in a SPOA set up you get a ton of body roll with any "nice riding" shock because the increased angle lessens the shocks ability to dampen suspension movement effectively. At a 45 degree angle the shock looses 1/2 of it's dampening force. I know most of you know this but I think many of us forget (or don't know in the first place). So my opinion is to use the 9000's or mix and match to get a roughly "equal" ride front to rear (ie soft in the front and a bit stiffer in the back). Less body roll and more comfort are better than more either way. I used 9012's and they suited me just fine. I guess you get what you pay for. As for ProComp...
It's a good thing they make the new Xterrain tire because I wouldn't consider buying anything (suspension related) from them ever again.:rolleyes: Go Ranchos or Blisteins.

The best alternative is to rethink your shock mount situation and forget inboarding. On Jayzuk's d44 with coils in the rear we ran the shocks outside the frame rails (more room with dana's) with a slightly forward leaning angle. The ride was a little soft (using 5012's)but farily balanced feeling and virtually no body roll. And no he didn't have to tub the body to get full flex! Get creative!

Dave
aka Shogunator

I run Pro Comp ES3000 shocks and they are way too stiff.
I've heard nothing but good things about the DT's.
But will save my $ for the RS 9000's

Originally posted by dumb
At a 45 degree angle the shock looses 1/2 of it's dampening force.
It's actually 78% effective, not 50% effective. I saw the math on it once anyway, and it was something in the 70-80% range.

Oh, and I got a set of RS9000s for $69 each for my Toy. Of course I also bought $810 of other stuff from Mark at kongs 4x4, so that might have sweetened the deal. I dunno...

Anyway, another future RS9000 convert - coming through.